One of Taguig City's historical landmarks, Dambana ng Kawayan, known as Saint John the Baptist Church is a century-old church with altar, wall sidings, ceiling, and benches that are made of pure, native bamboo. This symbol of Filipino design and artistry stood in history as the site where over 500 men were gathered and brutalized during the tragic "sona" of December 1, 1944 conducted by the Japanese forces. The men were later imprisoned in the dungeons of Fort Santiago in Intramuros -- never to be seen again, alive or dead.

This church of Tipas formerly belonged to the Immaculate Conception Parish of Pasig and later transferred to the Shrine of Saint Anne in Sta. Ana, Taguig City. On November 17, 1969, Cardinal Rufino Jiao Santos formally erected the parish under the patronage of St. John the Baptist. The first parish priest appointed was Rev. Fr. Ruben "Ben" J. Villote. The word "Tipas" comes from the word "Tinagpas" or "Tiga-gapas" because the original Tipaseños were farmers.

From 1969 to 2003, the Parish of St. John the Baptist was a part of the Archdiocese of Manila. Presently, it belongs to the Vicariate of St. Anne under the Diocese of Pasig. Rev. Fr. Juvi Q. Coronel is the current parish priest.

Getting Around

Dambana ng Kawayan is located at Barangay Ligid-Tipas, Taguig City. Jeepneys are the main way of transportation around the city and its shopping center in the fort. Buses take routes around the shopping center in a daily basis.

Accommodations

• Best Western Premier F1 Hotel - 32nd St. Bonifacio Global City, Bonifacio Global City / The Fort, Manila, Philippines
• Crescent Park Suites - 2nd Avenue corner Burgos Circle (Check-in is required at Luxe Residences at 28th Street corner 4th Avenue, Taguig City), Bonifacio Global City / The Fort, Manila, Philippines
•  Grand Hampton Suites - 31st Street, Fort Bonifacio (Check-in is required at Luxe Residences at 28th Street corner 4th Avenue, Taguig City), Bonifacio Global City / The Fort, Manila, Philippines
•  Fort Crescent Suites - 2H Crescent Park Residences, Fort Global City 30th Street corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City / The Fort, Manila, Philippines
• My Seibu Suites - Corner 6th and 24th Street, Bonifacio Global City (Check-in is required at Luxe Residences at 28th Street corner 4th Avenue, Taguig City), Bonifacio Global City / The Fort, Manila, Philippines